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Pronouns Matter

Pronouns are used in every day speech and writing to take the place of people's names. We frequently use them without thinking about it. Often, when speaking of someone in the third person, these pronouns have a gender implied. These associations are not always accurate or helpful.

Mistaking or assuming peoples' pronouns without asking first, mistakes their gender and sends a harmful message. Using someone's correct gender pronouns is one of the most basic ways to show your respect for their identity. Join the LGBT Resource Center as we aim to advance the knowledge of using everyone's correct gender pronouns and strive for a more inclusive environment at UCSF.

What are Pronouns?

Pronouns are words that refer to either the people talking (like you or I) or someone or something that is being talked about (like she, they, and this). Gender pronouns (like he or them) specifically refer to people that you are talking about.

Using Gender Pronouns

People may choose to use a variety of pronouns. Below is a list of some commonly used pronouns and how they are used:

Subject

Object

Possessive

Possessive Pronoun

Reflexive

He

Him

His

His

Himself

"He studied"

"I called him"

"His pencil"

"That is his"

"He trusts himself"

She

Her

Her

Hers

Herself

"She studied"

"I called her"

"Her pencil"

"That is hers"

"She trusts herself"

They

Them

Their

Theirs

Themselves

"They studied"

"I called them"

"Their pencil"

"That is theirs"

"They trust themselves"

Ze (or Zie)

Hir

Hir

Hirs

Hirself

"Ze studied"("zee")

"I called hir"("heer")

"Hir pencil"

"That is hirs"

"Ze trusts hirself"

This is not an exhaustive list. It is good practice to ask which pronouns a person uses.

Why is it important for UCSF faculty, staff, and students to respect gender pronouns?

The University of California's nondiscrimination policy includes protections for sex and gender identities. A key element of creating a safe space for people of all sexes and gender identities is the respectful use of gender pronouns.

The UCSF PRIDE values set a clear direction for all members of the UCSF community to appreciate and celebrate differences in others, creating an environment of equity and inclusion with opportunities for everyone to reach their potential.

Asking UCSF community members what their gender pronouns are and consistently using them correctly is one of the most basic ways to show your respect for their gender identity. This can determine within the first few minutes if they will feel respected at UCSF or not.

Discussing and correctly using gender pronouns sets a tone of allyship. It can truly make all of the difference, especially for new community members that may feel particularly vulnerable in a new environment.

You can't always know what someone's gender pronoun is by looking at them. When someone is referred to with the wrong pronoun, it can make them feel disrespected, invalidated, dismissed, alienated, or hurt.

Many people may be learning about gender pronouns for the first time, so this will be a learning opportunity for the UCSF community. You will be setting an example for your colleagues.

How can I be inclusive in using and respecting gender pronouns?

Incorporate gender pronouns in everyday use, with these strategies:

Edit your email signature to include your pronouns

Verbal introductions and check-ins are great opportunities to solicit gender pronouns. As names and pronouns can change over time, it is preferable to regularly incorporate these questions into meetings and introductions. Asking about a person's pronouns may initially feel awkward or uncomfortable, but it is preferable to making hurtful assumptions and using the wrong pronoun. Here are some ways you can do this:

"What pronouns do you use?"

"How would you like me to refer to you?"

"How would you like to be addressed?"

"Can you remind me which pronouns you like for yourself?"

"My name is Joshua and my pronouns are he, him, and his. What about you?"

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left/sites/lgbt.ucsf.edu/files/menu-img-0.jpgThe LGBT Resource Center is a unit of the Office of Diversity and Outreach. We work toward creating and maintaining a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment for queer students, staff, faculty, trainees, and patients./sites/lgbt.ucsf.edu/files/menu-img-pulse-march-castro-dropdown.jpgThe work of the LGBT Resource center advances diversity, equity, and inclusion for our queer communities for the entire campus and health system. We are a vibrant and colorful community of learners and educators./sites/lgbt.ucsf.edu/files/menu-img-monologues-dropdown.jpgWe accomplish our work by serving as a central resource highlighting news and programming that fosters a collaborative culture./sites/lgbt.ucsf.edu/files/menu-img-education-training.jpgWe provide individual and group consultation, educational workshops, and training opportunities to the campus community and medical center about issues that impact LGBTQIA+ communities./sites/lgbt.ucsf.edu/files/menu-img-end-of-year-gathering-dropdown.jpgWe conduct a vast array of programming dedicated to creating a more inclusive campus climate and supporting UCSF’s goals of greater diversity, equity, and inclusion.